ESPN's James Walkernotes Sherman's tenure with the team lasted two seasons. His offense ranked just 27th and 26th in scoring with a 19.8 point-average in a 32-team field.

According to Walker,"Sherman often was criticized for lack of balance and predictable play calling. But the final nail was when Miami scored just seven points in its final eight quarters during crucial, season-ending losses to the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets."

With these, Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin thanked Sherman for his contributions on the team's official website.

"I would like to thank Mike for his contributions to the Miami Dolphins. Mike has been a mentor to me throughout my coaching career, dating back to 1979. He is a man of great integrity, dedicated to his family, his team, his players and his profession.

"On behalf of the entire Miami Dolphins organization I want to wish Mike and his family the very best in the future."

Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill also releaseda statement of his own on the website regarding Philbin's dismissal. The two had a strong relationship, dating back to Tannehill's days as Texas A&M Aggies quarterback and Philbin's as head coach.

"Coach Sherman and I have a great relationship. He has made significant contributions to the Dolphins organization, and I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to play for him for the last six years.

"I learned so much about football and life in that time, and for that I am forever grateful. I will always respect Coach Sherman both as a coach and more importantly for the kind of man he is. I wish him and his family the best in whatever God has in store for him next."

Walker points out of the reasons why the Dolphins hired Sherman two years ago was because of his rapport with Tannehill, whom he recruited to Texas A&M during his college football coaching tenure.

On the other hand, Greg Cote of The Miami Heraldreported on Jan. 6 that offensive line coach Jim Turner "may also be let go, and that GM Jeff Ireland's future still is being considered," citing a team source.

Cote also wrote Philbin "is safe." Walker made the same assessment in his report, saying Philbin stays "as long as changes are made to the coaching staff."